Paddock Wood STARTRACK 2012

Startrack Week 13th August – 17th

The 21st Startrack Athletics Week, organised by Paddock Wood Athletic Club at Mascalls School, was an outstanding success. 127 children aged from 5 to 16 took part over the week. They had the chance to try out High Jump, Long and Triple Jump, Javelin, Hammer, Discus, Shot, Hurdles, Sprints and Middle & Long Distance running. The week was supervised by 22 coaches and athletes from the club. Once again the weather stayed fine but if it had rained Mascalls had made arrangements for the use of their big 2012 sportshall. On Tuesday Matt Short, who lives in Paddock Wood and carried the Olympic Torch on a stage of the relay at Hastings, brought his torch along and everyone had a chance to hold it – even the adults were in the queue. Matt, who lost part of his leg to cancer at the age of 16, answered questions about his participation in the torch relay and his disability.

The week culminated in competitions, with every participant doing a run, jump and throw to earn points for their team. Then each team took part in the obstacle relay. The teams this year were the top 5 Olympic teams USA, China, Korea, Russia and GB. The team that won the gold medals this year was USA. There were also trophies for the top boy and girl in 5 age groups. It was a tie for the 5/6 years boy with Albert Webster and Rowan MacDonald-Gay both receiving a trophy. Millie Leaver won the girl’s trophy. The 7/8 years winners were Harry Griffiths for the boys and Ryana MacDonald-Gay for the girls. Ryana won the younger age group last year. 9/10 years was Phoebe Leach and James Crawley. 11/12 years Joelle Wilton and Gabriel Roberts. The 13 & over winners were Luke Morgan and Toby Watson. No-one qualified in the girls section. Startrack is a scheme that introduces children to athletics and this year was made even more special due to the Olympic Games.